Councillors have criticised the way in which their authority allocated grants to voluntary organisations.

A scrutiny panel was set up by Brighton and Hove City Council after some applicants complained about the process.

Although the total amount of cash awarded stayed the same, some received nothing and others much less than before.

In a draft report, the four-man panel said the council was over ambitious in its timetable for doling out grants.

It said: "The unrealistic timetable caused delays, problems with communication and consultation, practical difficulties for applicant organisations and extra pressure on officers.

"Over-expectation and disappointment among some stakeholders resulted in officers being vulnerable to harassment."

Councillors felt a new points system was complicated and time-consuming and should be simplified in future. It also took an unacceptably long time to produce the scores.

The panel also felt some organisations could receive cash from the council's main budget rather than through grants. It said in future there should be a more realistic time-table, better training for officers, earlier involvement by councillors and improved information.